Study into sick Female Genital Mutilation launched

A study into the sickening practise of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is being carried out by the government.

GPs, health professionals and those working in maternity, obstetrics and gynaecology and sexual health are being urged to take part.

Women affected by FGM are usually first encountered by professionals working in these roles.

FGM is also known as female genital cutting. It is illegal in the UK and can cause serious long-term mental and physical suffering, difficulty in giving birth, infertility and even death.

The process can consist of some or all of; the removal of the fold of skin over the the clitoris; the removal of the entire clitoris; the removal of all or part of the labia; everything being stitched up with the allowance of a small hole to allow for urine and menstrual flow.

Chief Nursing Officer, Dame Christine Beasley, said: “Up to 24,000 young girls in the UK are at risk of Female Genital Mutilation. We have put training in place to support frontline healthcare staff in responding where they see or hear of this practice taking place.

“By taking part in this research, Nurses will be helping to ensure that the training available to them in this difficult area is refined and improved.

“I urge all nurses to log on and take part in this important research. ”

The new study is running through September and being carried out in a bid to make sure that services are in place to protect babies, women and children from the cultural practise.

The findings will form part of the new cross-government strategy on tackling Violence Against Women and Girls. Results of the findings will also look at how the training of health professionals can be improved to deal with the incidents.

Health Minister, Gillian Merron said: “Female Genital Mutilation is an extremely harmful practice and is illegal. It violates women’s most basic human rights. Keeping children and young people safe is a top priority for the health service and the findings of this research will be essential in ensuring that we continue to offer women the best possible protection.

To take part in this study health professionals should visit:

http://surveys.redhouselane.com/survey.aspx?surveyid=30&uid=_ and enter password fgmsurvey